2012-2013 Catalogue

Social Work (Bachelor of Science)

Overview

The principal educational objective of the Social Work program is to prepare students for beginning generalist social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities.

The program provides education for social work practice based on a liberal arts education in the social sciences and humanities. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Throughout the program of study, students develop the values, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide social services and to effect social change in institutions and communities.

Specific Requirements

The Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work requires a minimum of 122 approved credits, 24 credits of which are general education components from four approved academic areas (arts, humanities, science, and social sciences), and three credits for one course that focuses substantially on issues concerned with Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, or non-European/non-Western countries.

The student, in consultation with his/her advisor, selects elective courses which will provide the opportunity to develop individual interests. Additional courses in anthropology, education, foreign language, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, statistics, special education, and women's studies are recommended. Students who intend to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree are strongly advised to take STAT 141.

A committee of Social Work faculty review students' progress each semester throughout the four years. Students may be asked to participate in that process if the faculty deems necessary.

In the senior year, students spend approximately fifteen hours/week over two semesters (450 total hours) as interns in a public or private social service agency. In the fall semester, students must enroll concurrently in SWSS 168, SWSS 171, and SWSS 173. In the spring semester, students enroll in SWSS 169, SWSS 172, and SWSS 174.

Typically, students apply for SWSS 173 Field Experience in the spring of their junior year. Application for the field experience requires consultation with the student's advisor to determine that all introductory and intermediate professional and required courses have been successfully completed. The process includes a written statement by the student describing his/her interests and qualifications. The advisor and Field Education coordinator also review professional readiness issues, including strengths, conduct, maturity, and areas to strengthen. When there are concerns about a student's field readiness, these concerns will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Field committee, and recommendations will be made.